asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total annual expenditure on the police force; and how many policemen and women are currently employed by British police authorities.

Total expenditure in England and Wales for 1978–79 was £1,161 million. On 30 September 1979, 112,491 police officers, including those in interforce units or on central service, were employed.

In view of the statement by the Home Secretary at Blackpool earlier this year that there would be a return to more policemen on the beat from panda cars, will he tell us when a circular will be issued to the police authorities to this effect?

That is a matter that is best dealt with by the police authorities and the chief constables in question.